International Telecom Group Opens Global Conference With an Eye on Broadband

WASHINGTON, October 7, 2010 – The International Telecommunications Union this week opened its three-week conference in Mexico with a call by its secretary general for delegates to be “bold and visionary” in reaching agreements providing a sound platform for the development of information and communications technologies.

The 18th quadrennial global conference is expected to address broadband access, cyber security and internet addresses, among other things. On Oct. 12, it will host a special side session focusing on roadblocks to broadband for everyone.

The event, which is taking place at the Guadalajara Expo, is hosted by Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transport. It is expected to attract around 2,000 participants from some 190 ITU member states, sector members and observer organizations, including over 80 ministers, 40 deputy ministers and 40 ambassadors.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa said: “Telecommunication is an indispensable tool to achieve justice and equality,” adding that Mexico is involved with various strategies and programs to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens will have access to telecommunications.

Emilio González Márquez, governor of the state of Jalisco, said.in his speech: “The government of Jalisco is working to develop our electronics industry and foster new technologies because we are convinced that telecommunications is the most important tool in reducing the economic gap in developing nations.”

The ITU’s deputy secretary general delivered a message from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who told delegates: “Your work in developing the next generation of communications networks, ensuring cyber security, and putting the power of [information and communication technologies] networks to good use in disaster relief and mitigation is vitally important to us all.”